Garage Overhead Storage

Overhead storage is available in most every garage even without attic access. The garage ceiling may be the most under-utilized space in your home. This prime real estate can be a very practical solution to your garage storage needs. Overhead storage may even allow you to reclaim the space above an open garage door. There are several quality companies that manufacture products specifically for overhead storage applications.

Heavy-duty overhead storage applications require the brute strength of ONRAX Overhead Storage Rack. ONRAX is constructed of industrial grade heavy duty shelving material similar to Gorilla Rack® shelving. The 14 gauge powered coated steel frame and galvanized wire shelf can support up to 500 lbs. ONRAX is available in four sizes (4’ x 3”, 4’ x 4’, 3’ x 8’, and 4’ x 8’) with two adjustable height ranges (18" - 33" or 24" - 45").

Order OXRAX Overhead Storage Racks online or find a local distributor:

Onrax Overhead Storage

Hyloft manufacturers a wire grid rack system designed to be screwed to your ceiling joists. The economical steel 45” x 45” overhead storage unit provides up to 30 cubic feet of storage and supports 250 lbs per rack. The height is adjustable from 16” to 28” and may allow you to install above your garage door. Retail price is less than $ 100.00. A 36” x 36” is also available. Attach Hyloft’s ladder and tool bracket to store your extension ladder beneath the rack. Optional utility hooks and hanging basket provide additional storage opportunity. Order a Hyloft Overhead Storage - 4x4 rack.

My favorite however is the OverAll Storage Rack. I like the OverAll Storage Rack because it is economical and sturdy. OverAll uses aircraft quality anodized aluminum rails and stainless steel hardware to avoid any problems associated with rust. Ordinary 2x4 lumber is used for the cross support. You can save a bunch of money by ordering the kit without the wood. Then simply purchase the 2x4's at your local lumber yard or home improvement store. Overall Storage also offers complete kits including the wood.

A unique stabilizer bracket system is used to minimize sway. The units are available in four sizes (2'x4', 4'x4', 2'x8', 4'x8') for garages with 16” or 24” ceiling beam centers. The Flexmount technology allows orientation regardless of your joist direction. The units are adjustable 16" - 30" from the ceiling. Order your kits direct from OverAll Storage.

Overhead storage is also appropriate for storing bicycles, canoes, PVC piping, spare fluorescent light tubes, and lumber.

Add-a-Hook J Shape Hanging Storage Bracket hangs your bikes or other items on your garage door rails.

Racor makes a nice product called the Pro Stor Bicycle Hoist Monster. This handy hoist lifts your bike to the ceiling for storage with little effort. The Hoist Monster is rated for 50lbs and designed for ceilings up to 14’ in height.

Larger hoists are available for pickup truck caps, convertible hardtops, canoes, dinghies, roof racks and more. Harkens manufactures several varieties of hoists designed to lift up to 200 lbs. The Hoister has a self-locking safety cleat that automatically latches when you release the rope. I have adapted one to hoist a lumber rack. Whenever I need 2 x 4 I just lower the hoist to retrieve.

Bac Industries manufactures a ratcheting hoist idea for supporting a canoe. You may purchase their hoist at The Sports Authority or Durham.

When installing overhead storage racks or hoists there are several considerations you should note.

1) Your home may not have been designed to support heavy loads hanging from your ceiling. Follow the instructions and warnings the manufacturer supplies with the product. Supporting heavy loads beyond the design limit on a rafter or joist can warp your ceiling, your roof, or worse.

2) It is always best to install overhead storage near the corner or edge of your garage. Supporting walls help to distribute and support the weight.

3) Purchase storage containers that fit perfectly to maximize your new storage space.